Christmas 2018 RSPCA tips for pet safety during holidays

There is a lot of noise and excitement around at Christmas time – that’s a big part of the fun of it.

However, our pets can find this difficult as they try to cope with a change of environment, with new visitors, toys and smells.

The RSPCA has provided a guide to keeping your furry friends happy and healthy this Christmas.

Keep decorations out of reach

Decorations and presents can be dangerous if consumed.

These include candy canes or chocolate; round, ball-like decorations, which may break in your pet’s mouth, causing lacerations to his intestines and tongue; sparkly items e.g., flickering tree lights, small and shiny ornaments, ribbon and wrapping paper; and tinsel, which can obstruct the intestines and create a surgical emergency.

Tips for Christmas Day

– Create a calm, quiet spot for your pet away from the noise.

– Exercise your pet before any guests arrive.

– Keep Christmas flowers and plants out of your pet’s reach.

– Quickly clean up any bows, plastic and ribbons so there’s no chance of him swallowing them by mistake.

Spoiling your pet

– Create a treasure hunt through the house or garden of your pet’s regular dry food.

– Mix your pet’s regular food with a treat.

– Use a recipe that is specifically designed to be a safe treat for your pet.

– Spend extra quality time with your pet by playing games or going for extra walks.

– Purchase pet-friendly Christmas food and treats.

– Human foods are not a treat for pets

– Christmas is a time of giving, but many human foods can cause serious illness. So resist that pleading face, and exercise caution when choosing what treats to give your pet.

Ham, turkey and other meats

Most cooked meats are okay to feed to cats and dogs in small quantities.

However, do not feed your pets cooked bones as these they can easily splinter and damage their intestines and throat.

Keep meat scraps free of gravy and marinades.

Sweet treats

Many sweet treats are toxic for pets, and can even be fatal, including chocolate; Christmas pudding; currants; grapes; lollies; raisins; and sugar-free sweet products.

For more information, visit www.rspcansw.org.au